Rhode IslandH50192025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024 .

Sponsored By: June Speakman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Foam users must contain and report

Beginning January 1, 2025, users of federally required PFAS firefighting foam must report use within five business days. Reports go to the State Fire Marshal and identify the foam, amount, PFAS concentration, firefighting use, and duration. Users must fully contain releases on-site with barriers that block PFAS and manage wastewater and waste to prevent environmental releases. Any environmental release requires a separate report within five business days, including waste details and containment steps. Users must provide containment records to the attorney general or municipal counsel when requested during investigations.

Firefighters get notices before gear restrictions

Beginning January 1, 2025, sellers must give buyers written notice when firefighting protective gear contains any PFAS, explaining why it was added. Sellers and buyers must keep notices for at least three years and provide requested notices and sales records within 60 days. Beginning January 1, 2027, Rhode Island bans making, selling, offering, or distributing firefighting gear with intentionally added PFAS. The Department of Environmental Management must help public agencies give preference to PFAS-free gear. Manufacturers must provide compliance certificates within 30 days when the department requests them.

New limits on firefighting foam

Beginning January 1, 2025, Rhode Island bans making, selling, distributing, or using Class B firefighting foam with intentionally added PFAS. The use ban covers training and other uses, with limited federal and terminal exceptions. The federal exception covers requirements in place January 1, 2022; restrictions apply when federal rules allow PFAS-free alternatives. The Department of Environmental Management must help public agencies avoid buying or using PFAS foam. Manufacturers face civil penalties up to $5,000 per first violation; manufacturers, local governments, and people face up to $10,000 per repeat violation.

Foam makers must recall and reimburse

Manufacturers must recall prohibited Class B foam and reimburse retailers or other buyers by March 1, 2025. They must also give sellers at least one year's advance written notice of the restrictions. Manufacturers must ensure safe transport and storage, tracking amounts and locations until the state identifies a safe disposal method. They must provide recall records to the attorney general or local solicitor on request, and requested foam compliance certificates within 30 days. Manufacturer duties include importers or first domestic distributors when there is no U.S. manufacturer.

Terminals get limited emergency foam exemptions

After January 1, 2025, terminal operators can seek a PFAS foam purchase exemption for emergency Class B fires. Each exemption is limited to a single period of no more than one year. Operators must provide clear and convincing evidence that no commercially available PFAS-free alternative can suppress the specified large tank or emergency fires. Applications must describe annual foam storage, use and releases, progress toward PFAS-free foam, and measures ensuring full on-site containment. The Department of Environmental Management works with the Department of Health on approval; terminals can also supply emergency aid to other terminals under the same limits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

June Speakman
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

David A. Bennett
Democratic • House
Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House
Stephen M. Casey
Democratic • House
Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House
Rebecca M. Kislak
Democratic • House
Jason Knight
Democratic • House
Michelle E. McGaw
Democratic • House
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House
Earl A. Read, III
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 70 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2025

CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024 PASSAGE